Texas Cases July 24, 2019: United States v. Sorrell

Case Description

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL

A detention hearing has been held in accordance with the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f). The following requires detention of the Defendant pending trial in this case:

(1) There is probable cause to believe the Defendant committed an offense for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed in 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A); and

(2) The Defendant has not rebutted the presumption that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the Defendant as required and the safety of the community.

The evidence against the Defendant is substantial. The Defendant is facing a ten-year minimum mandatory sentence if convicted. The findings and conclusions contained in the Pretrial Services Report are adopted, supplemented by the testimony of DEA Agent Benavides. The Defendant, even after his arrest and release by state authorities on this matter, did not contact the probation office as directed, and he obtained additional drugs to sell and another firearm. These items were in his possession when arrested by federal authorities. He is a poor bond candidate.

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The Defendant is committed to the custody of the United States Marshal or his designated representative for confinement in a corrections facility separate, to the extent practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or being held in custody pending appeal. The Defendant shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity for private consultation with defense counsel. On order of a court of the United States or on request of an attorney for the Government, the person in charge of the corrections facility shall deliver the Defendant to the United States Marshal for the purpose of an appearance in connection with a court proceeding.

ORDERED this 24th day of July, 2019.

/s/ _________
B. JANICE ELLINGTON
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE